Chapter 50: An Unexpected Home Visit (5)

“What do you suggest?”

“We lure them into a trap.”

“And make them disappear without a trace?”

“It would cause less of a commotion than if their bodies were found.”

“That’s true, but…”

He was still hesitant.

‘Even a missing instructor would be a problem.’

Especially with the righteous Murim on high alert after the recent incidents.

‘Is there another way?’

Then, he remembered something.

“How about this?”

“Do you have another idea, my lord?”

“Yul, have you heard of the Hidden Moon Flying Thief?”

Dokgo Yul nodded immediately.

“Yes, he’s a thief from the demonic faction. He’s known for his stealth and his exceptional martial arts skills. But why are you bringing him up…?”

“He’s in the area. We can use him as a pawn.”

“Using the Hidden Moon Flying Thief to frame them… that’s a good idea. Is your information accurate?”

“I heard it from the Hao Clan.”

Dokgo Yul’s face fell.

“You said you were quitting the Murim. But you’re still working with the Hao Clan? You’re conquering the Murim without me? That’s so unfair. I’m hurt, my lord.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

He wasn’t conquering anything.

It wasn’t like the righteous Murim was some kind of delicious restaurant.

After a lengthy explanation, Dokgo Yul finally understood.

“It would be better for them to be ‘retired’ by a demonic thief than to simply vanish without a trace.”

“Yes, it would be more humiliating.”

Even a dog is fierce in its own territory.

And martial arts experts were far more territorial than dogs.

If a group of experts were defeated by a single thief in their own backyard, it would be a major embarrassment. The Murim Alliance and the Shinmu Academy would try to cover it up.

“But the thief’s skills are a bit lacking.”

“Don’t worry about that.”

Dokgo Yul nodded confidently.

“It’s a good plan. The righteous Murim is obsessed with finding the traitors. They won’t have time to worry about a demonic thief.”

“Right?”

“And there’s another benefit.”

As expected of Sima Yul.

He had seen an advantage that even Cho Un-hwi hadn’t considered.

“Euncheon Hall is always short-staffed. What if another vacancy opened up?”

“Hehe.”

“Huhu.”

They exchanged sinister smiles.

This was happening in a secluded clearing in Dongcheon Hall, the cradle of the righteous Murim.

***

Namgung Yun-ho struggled to compose himself. The slightest lapse in concentration threatened to unleash a torrent of tears. His uncle had visited again today, spewing venomous words that chipped away at his resolve.

“If you were truly talented, you would have shown it by now.”

“You’ve achieved a small victory, and now you think you’re better than your elders?”

“How long do you think you can last without the clan’s support?”

He was used to scorn, to being overlooked. He had always believed that if he endured the pain and persevered, things would eventually get better. But this time felt different.

“Fine, if you’re going to be so stubborn, I won’t hold back.”

“If you continue to hinder the clan and your brother’s future…”

“You will face the consequences.”

Namgung Il-jun’s words were a relentless curse, devoid of any familial affection.

“Why… why?” he choked out, his voice trembling.

He had finally found his path, his talent beginning to bloom. Why was the world being so cruel?

It wasn’t about clinging to what he had given up for his brother. He had accepted his brother’s superior talent from a young age, understanding that it justified the disparity in their treatment. He had become accustomed to it.

The best sword always went to his brother. The finest elixirs, the most delicious food – all were his brother’s first. He was left with the scraps, never enough to quench his thirst, but he accepted it as his due.

‘I’m not talented.’

It was an inescapable truth.

*- The younger brother inherits the older brother’s clothes.*

*- It’s a little sad, but it’s inevitable.*

*- I’m the older brother. It’s my duty to look after my younger brother.*

He had clung to a single belief:

‘One day, if I grow strong, I’ll be treated the same.’

He had been forgotten because he was weak. He believed that if he could demonstrate his talent, his family would embrace him again.

But he was wrong.

His uncle, after all these years, wasn’t celebrating his growth. He was trying to break him.

‘I was just discarded.’

It hadn’t been about sacrifice. He had never had a choice.

‘I can’t be like my brother.’

Resentment and bitterness twisted inside him, a heavy knot in his chest. But the most terrifying thing was…

“Instructor Cho Un-hwi, was it?”

…the sharp animosity in his uncle’s voice when he spoke of his instructor.

His clan, after finally acknowledging him, was now targeting the one who had given him the most precious gift. They weren’t content with neglecting him they wanted to steal the one shining treasure he had left. Their animosity was a poison that threatened to taint everyone around him.

His faith shattered, his hope dwindling, Namgung Yun-ho whispered to himself,

“What should I do?”

He had lived a sheltered life, chasing dreams. He didn’t know how to face the harsh realities of the world, how to defend himself against the malice of adults, sharper than any sword or insult.

His heart was slowly turning black.

***

“Are you alright?”

He looked up and saw Jegal Tan standing beside him. He had been so lost in thought that he hadn’t noticed his friend’s approach.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I think.”

“You don’t look so good. Why don’t you go back and rest?”

A warm hand rested on his forehead, and his anxiety eased slightly. He realized that his worries were draining his energy.

“…Perhaps I should. I’m a little tired.”

“Why don’t you talk to someone about it? Your instructor might be annoyed, but he’ll listen.”

His instructor.

He would listen, he knew. He would grumble and complain, but he would be there for him.

But he couldn’t talk to him.

‘What am I supposed to say?’

His instructor had been so supportive of him. Could he really tell him that his clan was plotting against him? That he should be careful because they might try to harm him? That he wanted to stay at the academy and continue learning from him, even if it meant putting him in danger?

‘I can’t tell him.’

Jegal Tan frowned as he watched Namgung Yun-ho’s troubled expression.

‘Tsk.’

He knew his friend well enough to understand what he was going through.

‘I can’t believe the Southern Heaven Sword would stoop so low.’

He had heard Namgung Il-jun’s insults. He hadn’t even tried to hide them.

‘He wanted Yun-ho to hear him.’

It was a warning, a threat.

Exhausted, Namgung Yun-ho sighed and sheathed his sword.

“I need some time to think. I’m going for a walk.”

“Yun-ho, why don’t you just leave? Your uncle won’t bother you if you’re not here.”

“He’ll just target someone else. I have to deal with this myself.”

“You’re so stubborn.”

“I’ll see you later.”

Jegal Tan watched as Namgung Yun-ho walked away, his heart filled with concern.

“Well, at least my problems are minor compared to his.”

He was worried about his friend, but then he heard a dismissive voice.

“You’re worrying for nothing. Just trust the instructor.”

“Baek Ri-seol, the Southern Heaven Sword is a powerful figure in the Namgung Clan. Even your instructor can’t handle him easily.”

“I doubt that.”

Baek Ri-seol’s expressionless face was now twisted in a sneer.

“You’re underestimating him.”

“I’m curious about the basis of your faith.”

“Hehe, I can’t tell you. It’s a secret between us.”

“Are you sure it’s not just a delusion?”

“Oh my, you’re getting quite bold for an Euncheon Hall dropout. But are you blind and deaf? You’re looking but you don’t see, you’re listening but you don’t hear.”

“Baek Ri-seol, you…”

“Waaaah!”

Mo Yong So-hye rushed between them, her face crumpled in distress.

“This isn’t the time to fight!”

“Hmph!”

“Tsk!”

They turned away from each other, their shoulders stiff.

“I’m going back to my room.”

“I’m not in the mood to train.”

Mo Yong So-hye watched as they walked away, her heart heavy.

She didn’t know who to side with.

‘Jegal is worried, anxious, scheming, and insightful.’

He was probably already thinking of ways to help Namgung Yun-ho.

‘But what Baek Ri-seol said isn’t wrong either.’

Baek Ri-seol was emanating feelings of admiration, love, devotion, and awe.

The devotion and awe were particularly surprising.

Devotion was blind faith.

And awe was a mixture of fear and reverence.

It was rare to see such emotions, even among devout monks and priests.

And she was sensing both of them from Baek Ri-seol.

‘What does she see in the instructor?’

What had she seen that made her dismiss even the Southern Heaven Sword?

“Is there really something special about the instructor?”

Perhaps she should ask him for help.

“I’ll use the family meeting as an opportunity.”

She clenched her fist, her mind already planning her next move.